Buddle Findlay is delighted to announce that the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation (the Foundation) and Cholmondeley Children’s Centre (Cholmondeley) in Christchurch have signed a three-year partnership agreement.
Cholmondeley provides respite care and education for tamariki between five and 12 whose whānau are experiencing stress or crisis. In these situations, tamariki can become vulnerable, especially when a family’s usual supports like friends and family, are unable to help. Staying at Cholmondeley can give tamariki the chance to have a break, enjoy being a child and find and celebrate their strengths in a safe and fun environment. Cholmondeley also offers community outreach support to whānau, rangatahi, and tamariki through its community outreach Awhi Team, made up of social workers, youth workers, and Whānau Ora Navigators. Over the past 100 years, more than 33,000 tamariki have benefited from Cholmondeley’s care, with demand continuing to grow as families face increasing financial and personal challenges.
Cholmondeley is an independent charity, with 20% of its operating costs met by Government funding, and the remaining 80% funded through fundraising streams such as trusts and grants, events and donations from the Canterbury community. With the Foundation's financial support, Cholmondeley can provide 90 bed nights over the course of a year, supporting 30 individual stays for children, helping ease the significant demand on resources.
The Foundation is a charitable trust established in 2004 and is administered by three trustees, Lisette Hood, Charlotte von Dadelszen and Julia Gabrielle, each of whom is a Buddle Findlay partner based in each of the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch offices. The Foundation provides support for children and young people facing health and wellbeing challenges, including physical and mental health, disability, and family stress or crisis.
The signing of the partnership agreement was completed this week at an event held at the Cholmondeley facilities in Christchurch. Members of the Foundation, Buddle Findlay board and staff were warmly welcomed and given a tour of the facilities that includes 11 bedrooms, bathrooms, classrooms, kitchen and large outside play area. During the visit, they were given the opportunity to speak and play with the children, who were visibly happy and confident.
Julia Gabrielle, Christchurch-based partner and Foundation trustee said "we are excited to partner with Cholmondeley where we can directly contribute to the wellbeing of our Canterbury tamariki. The positive atmosphere at Cholmondeley is a testament to the incredible work the team does in building trust and fostering a supportive environment for the tamariki".
Nettles Lamont, Chair of the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre said “the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation provides support for children and showed a deep care for Cholmondeley children. This has led to a wonderful, authentic partnership which will serve Canterbury children well”.
Image 1: Nettles Lamont, Chair of the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre and Julia Gabrielle, Buddle Findlay Partner and Foundation Trustee signing the partnership agreement.
Image 2: Members of the management team at Cholmondeley Children’s Centre and Buddle Findlay team members at the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre which overlooks Governor's Bay in Canterbury.
